Position Overview
MiraCosta College Community Education & Workforce Development delivers accelerated, industry-driven training programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers. Located at MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute (TCI) in Carlsbad, our programs serve the advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades sectors through hands-on, skills-based instruction aligned with employer needs.
We are seeking an experienced Engineering Technician Instructor to join our team and help prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, automation, robotics, electronics, and related technical fields.
The Engineering Technician Program is a 600-hour accelerated, hands-on workforce training program designed to prepare students for entry-level technician roles in industries including aerospace, electronics, biotechnology, manufacturing, semiconductor, automation, and other technology-driven sectors.
This position combines technical instruction, hands-on laboratory training, student mentorship, project-based learning, and industry-aligned curriculum delivery. The ideal candidate is a skilled technical professional who enjoys troubleshooting, building, designing, and teaching others through applied, hands-on learning.
Instruction covers multidisciplinary engineering technology concepts including:
- Electronics and electrical systems
- Mechanical systems and assembly
- Engineering testing and troubleshooting
- Technical documentation and workplace communication
- Computer systems and software applications
- Automation and robotics
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Pneumatics and fluid power systems
- Optics
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Fabrication and prototyping
- Manufacturing processes and continuous improvement concepts
The ideal candidate brings industry experience, strong technical knowledge, and a passion for developing the next generation of skilled technicians. Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required; experienced industry professionals with mentoring, training, leadership, or technical supervision experience are encouraged to apply.
This position is supervised by the Program Supervisor and plays a key role in maintaining program excellence, industry alignment, student success, and employer partnerships.
Program Schedule & Commitment
The Engineering Technician Program operates three cohorts per year, with each cohort running approximately 15 weeks.
Classes are delivered Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:40 PM in an accelerated, hands-on training environment.
The instructor will be responsible for delivering instruction throughout the full cohort schedule, including:
- Classroom instruction and technical demonstrations
- Hands-on laboratory activities and student projects
- Robotics, automation, electronics, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting instruction
- Student mentoring and technical skill development
- Assessment of student progress and project outcomes
- Career readiness activities and industry preparation
The instructor will work collaboratively with TCI staff to maintain laboratory readiness, support curriculum improvements, integrate industry expectations, and provide students with the technical and professional skills needed for successful transition into engineering technician careers.
Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging, hands-on technical instruction aligned with engineering technology and advanced manufacturing industry standards.
- Teach foundational concepts in mechanical, electrical, electronic, and automation systems.
- Provide instruction in electronics fundamentals, circuits, electrical troubleshooting, and the use of testing equipment including digital multimeters and oscilloscopes.
- Teach students to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, technical documentation, and maintenance procedures.
- Guide students through hands-on projects involving automation, robotics, mechanical systems, electronics, and engineering design challenges.
- Teach troubleshooting methodologies and problem-solving techniques used in industry.
- Introduce students to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, automation components, and control systems.
- Support student learning in CAD design, 3D printing, fabrication, and prototyping concepts.
- Teach basic mechanical systems, pneumatics, fluid power, and equipment operation.
- Demonstrate safe operation of tools, equipment, and laboratory systems while maintaining an industry-standard learning environment.
- Mentor students in professional communication, teamwork, documentation practices, workplace expectations, and career readiness skills.
- Support students with technical projects, capstone activities, presentations, and industry-based assignments.
- Evaluate student progress through demonstrations, projects, assessments, and hands-on skill evaluations.
- Provide feedback and coaching to help students develop technical confidence and workplace readiness.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and effective laboratory environment.
- Collaborate with the Program Supervisor and TCI staff regarding curriculum improvements, equipment needs, laboratory operations, and program development.
- Recommend curriculum updates based on emerging technologies, industry trends, and employer needs.
- Support industry engagement through guest speakers, industry tours, employer connections, and advisory activities.
- Maintain accurate student records, attendance documentation, evaluations, and required program reporting.
- Participate in program events, professional development activities, and departmental initiatives as needed.
- Work collaboratively with instructors, lab staff, and support personnel to ensure student success.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Minimum five years of professional experience in engineering technology, manufacturing, automation, electronics, robotics, industrial systems, equipment maintenance, or a related technical field.
- Strong understanding of applied technical concepts including troubleshooting, electrical systems, mechanical systems, electronics, automation, or manufacturing processes.
- Ability to demonstrate hands-on technical skills in a laboratory, shop, or industrial environment.
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to mentor and support adult learners in an accelerated workforce training environment.
- Commitment to safety, professionalism, continuous improvement, and student success.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, aerospace, robotics, automation, or engineering technology industries.
- Experience with PLC programming, industrial controls, robotics, sensors, and automation systems.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar platforms.
- Experience with fabrication, prototyping, machining, or mechanical assembly.
- Experience training, mentoring, supervising, or onboarding technicians.
- Experience developing technical documentation, procedures, or training materials.
- Teaching, coaching, or instructional experience in an industry or educational setting.
Why Join MiraCosta College TCI?
This role provides an opportunity for an experienced technical professional to directly impact workforce development by preparing students for careers in high-demand technology fields. Bring your industry experience into the classroom while helping students build the technical and professional skills employers need in advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, and technology sectors.
Pay: $40.00 - $55.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
